Puppies for Sale
Buying a Puppy in New Zealand
Puppies for Sale! It's a very effective marketing slogan, isn't it? Buying a puppy is an exciting time for every animal lover - and cute puppies can be too hard to pass up. Before buying a puppy in New Zealand, make sure you understand the work which needs to go into buying a dog, and why many animal professionals will advise you to buy from a breeder rather than a pet store.
The NZS.com Puppies for Sale article is a brief rundown on how to buy a puppy in New Zealand, and how to decide if a new puppy is right for you and your family.
Buying a puppy is an exciting time for both individuals and families alike - you're about to open your home to a new family member! Choosing a puppy is a fun task for any animal lover, but don't take home the first little pup you see who makes you go all gooey-eyed. There are several things to take into account when buying a puppy for sale, so make sure you are informed before bringing a new friend home!
Are you and your family ready for a dog? There are several different considerations to make before deciding that a dog is right for your home.
Dogs Aren't All Fun and Games
Owning a dog is an extremely fulfilling part of life, as a dog can be a true friend and companion. However, dogs are also hard work. Puppies are cute, but they grow up. Puppies need training. They will need cleaning up after. They will chew your things. They will bark. They will need to visit the vet, which can be costly.
Have you seriously thought over all of the aspects of dog ownership?
Dog ownership costs money, especially in the first year. Puppy food, regular vaccinations, de-sexing, training, accommodation while you are away. Expect to spend over $1000 in the first year getting set up, and make sure you have got some savings stashed away for regular vet visits, and even an unthinkable accident. Pet insurance is a great option for many who could not afford a big bill to keep your pooch well.
Dogs need a lot of care. Walking throughout the day, regular feeding, socialisation with other dogs. Do you have time to commit to a dog? If you're hesitant about the love and care you'll be able to give a puppy, consider choosing a cat as your next family member. They need much less care than dogs and can provide just as much companionship for the right person.
Puppies for Sale!
You see a sign on the street, or in a shop window. "Puppies for Sale!". It makes any dog lover curious. Even when you're not looking for a dog, you want to go inside and look. You venture in, and fall in love. The cutest pooch you've ever seen! You see him stuck inside a little cage or behind a Perspex wall and want to ‘rescue' him.
Don't take him home straight away. There are several things you need to consider before buying a new puppy from a pet store.
The Breed
Pet store puppies are normally cross breeds, made from what is called a ‘backyard breeder'. This means the breeder is not Kennel Club associated in any way, and is blending breeds that may look good or appear unusual together. While you can get some cute pups from backyard breeders like Labradooles (Labrador-Poodle crosses), you also run the risk of getting an unhealthy dog. Dog breeds have different health traits, and on occasion blending two together unusually may breed out the health positives of a dog breed, and leave it with a poor genetic make-up.
Backyard breeders often have little canine experience, and are breeding purely for the love of cashflow, rather than the love of dogs.
The Cost
Pet store puppies will cost you around $1000. New Zealanders have almost become accustomed to this price as standard for a dog in New Zealand, because it's the only price you ever see. However, did you know that pet shop dogs are roughly 1/3 more expensive than dogs from Kennel Club breeders? Not to mention, buying a puppy from a registered breeder means you are getting a pure-bred pup, not a mixed-breed.
The Alternative?
Find a breeder. New Zealand Kennel Club breeders not only care about the welfare of their pups while they are in their care, they also care about the home they are going to. While all you need is a credit card to buy a puppy from a pet store, breeders will want to know about your situation, to make sure you can offer a quality home, and a quality life for your dog.
Breeders will also have bred only from healthy dogs and bitches, ensuring that no genetic predispositions are ever passed on to pups which will risk their quality of life - such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and so on.
A breeder will have extensive experience on the specific diet a dog needs to be on, and what kind of exercise plan it will regularly need to undertake in order to stay in optimum condition. Pet stores only have general guide on these things, which can lead to over or undereating and unsuitable exercise for a particular breed.
Breeders will also be available for your questions and queries - and you will have them, especially in the first year. They will be able to recommend trainers, accommodation facilities while you are away, and specific grooming tools and techniques.
Buying a puppy from a pet store is not all bad, and if you are an experienced dog owner or simply can't pass up on your dream pup, pet store dogs still deserve great homes (as do dogs from animal shelters). Make sure before you purchase a dog from a pet store that you ask questions, get a thorough background on the puppies parents, and do some online research about that particular breed (or cross-breed).
Looking for a dog breeder in New Zealand? Check out the NZS.com directory.
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Family images from Flickr: Peru Puppy, Kids Classroom and Hands.
